The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of $99 million in funding to support pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction, clean energy, healthcare, infrastructure, information technology, and hospitality.
The YouthBuild Program grants aim to provide academic support, occupational skills training, and employment services to young people aged 16 to 24 in communities facing persistent barriers to academic and career development.
Aligned with the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, the program leverages federal investments to create jobs and support community needs such as affordable housing and conservation. The YouthBuild grants also align with the department’s Youth Employment Works strategy, which seeks to ensure young people find “no wrong door” when accessing employment and supportive services.
Managed by the department’s Employment and Training Administration and authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the YouthBuild Program will fund approximately 75 projects with individual grants ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million.
Previous YouthBuild grants have supported various initiatives:
- In Georgia: Georgia Building Trades Academy collaborates with 19 affiliated construction unions and their Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees to prepare participants for direct entry into Registered Apprenticeships upon graduation.
- In Texas: CLC Inc. partners with Housing Channel to recruit and train participants in construction while building homes for low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness. The program also offers training in welding, manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft assembly.
- In Illinois: YouthBuild Lake County has expanded into a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor and training provider in Facilities Maintenance Repair. Participants can earn the Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician credential with placement opportunities at organizations like Lake County Housing Authority.
- In Idaho: Community Council of Idaho connects participants with outreach advisors at the College of Southern Idaho. Graduates who earn a high school diploma or GED have access to scholarships covering two years of college attendance.
For more information about the YouthBuild Funding Opportunity or to apply, visit their website.
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